Of course. Here is the translation of the novel text you provided, with paragraphs adjusted for improved readability:
**Side: Bout**
Finally, our turn came.
Well, technically, we had been hunting monsters that attacked us on the way, so “finally” might be a bit of a misnomer.
Even so, we, Trial Hearts, have no complaints.
“It’s been quite a while since we fought shoulder-to-shoulder like this, hasn’t it?”
“Brother, you haven’t gotten rusty, have you?”
“That’s what I should be asking you. We’ve been through quite a few tough battles in Poland and Torencia, you know?”
Emperor Reinhardt and his sister, Maruka, looked at me with the same trust as before.
Six months ago, due to a betrayal within our ranks, we were tasked with defending Poland, a border town north of Amister, from Retisencia. We managed to repel several attacks from former Retisencia soldiers who had become demons and from former hunters. Thanks to this, we’ve become accustomed to fighting demons.
I never expected to face a Demise Species immediately after arriving in Torencia. While Yamato, Prim, and Mako, our three Ancient Class members, defeated the Demise Species Slume Lord, the real problem was the existence of Catastrophe Species. We, Trial Hearts, took on the Catastrophe Species Avalanche Howl with support from the Orders and Sabers. It was incredibly difficult because it was fast and its attacks were incredibly heavy. I lost my left arm, and three Normal Hunters died. It was more than just difficult. If Mana and Faris, who had evolved to Ancient Class, hadn’t rushed to our aid, we would have been wiped out.
After that, we moved to Rio as originally planned. Since monsters rarely seen in the vicinity of Rio had increased, we went to the Golud Great Glacier daily under the guise of investigation. Yamato and the others would also occasionally have us participate in large-scale hunts under the guise of combat training. As a result, not only the Alliance but all of Trial Hearts have leveled up. I myself have reached level 61.
“It’s not just Trial Hearts that have improved. Aren’t we?”
“That’s right. Both Maruka and I have evolved, and Lai is close to becoming Ancient Class.”
“That, too, is surprising.”
I could only give a wry smile to H.R.H. Elis, but she was right. Emperor Reinhardt is level 61, just like me. H.R.H. Elis is level 54, and Maruka is level 58. Although the Coronation Ceremony has not yet taken place, she has formally inherited the throne, making her a more than sufficiently high-level ruler. She will likely begin her full-time hunter activities after abdicating.
Therefore, even if the Solemne Army were to overwhelm us, they wouldn’t even pose a threat.
“I’m glad we can fight alongside Your Majesty again.”
“I’d like to say we won’t let a single finger touch you, Your Majesty, but you tend to charge in the moment we look away, so please forgive us for that.”
Yung and Soul expressed our collective sentiment.
Initially, we found looking after the Crown Prince to be troublesome. He would often charge in alone, defeating monsters or getting himself into near-death situations with them, which was difficult for us. However, he has since grown to the point where it’s no exaggeration to say he’s a member of Trial Hearts and has even evolved into a High Elf. Originally, it was because he took a liking to his sister, Maruka. H.R.H. Elis also dragged Maruka along. However, because they are so friendly, unlike royalty, hunting together has become enjoyable.
Unfortunately, due to Lux’s betrayal, we were no longer able to accompany His Majesty and the others. We dreamed of the day we could fight alongside His Majesty again after serving our sentences, but we never expected that day to come so soon.
Therefore, the morale of us, Trial Hearts, is higher than ever before.
“I understand. I also have my position to consider. If I were to die here, it would undoubtedly lower the morale of the Allied Forces, and we wouldn’t know what Retisencia might do.”
“But that’s Lai’s bad habit, and it won’t be easy to change.”
“So, it’s back to our usual selves. My, my, that must be tough.”
Real smiles wryly, but it’s true that it’s always the same. Even now, His Majesty is charging ahead of me, cutting down Solemne soldiers with the sword in his hand. Real stays close behind, assisting Emperor Reinhardt with his spear, while H.R.H. Elis and Maruka finish off any Solemne soldiers who evade his spear. Mira and the Normal Class members are protecting Soul, the archer, and defeating any Solemne soldiers who approach. Yung and I operate while keeping both in our sight.
“My apologies, my apologies. But with Trial Hearts providing support, we can rest easy.”
“I’m fond of this feeling, too.”
Emperor Reinhardt and H.R.H. Elis said something that made us happy. If they say it like that, we have to respond, don’t we?
“You guys know what to do, right?”
“Of course.”
“You don’t need to say everything, Bout.”
“We, Trial Hearts, will perfectly protect His Majesty and the others.”
“Bring on your Steam Battleships and cannons, whatever you’ve got!”
We know. Whether it’s cannons or anything else, if it threatens His Majesty, we’ll destroy it all. Be prepared, Solemne Army!
**Side: Muse**
After swiftly sinking the Steam Battleships, we returned to the battlefield. There were more Steam Battleships than we anticipated, but an increase of ten ships didn’t make much difference to us. However, we couldn’t afford to take too long, so each of us enchanted our weapons with elemental magic and sank them in a single blow. Preventing a second shot was troublesome, but Lydia and El’s Barrier Magic blocked them, so our allies suffered no damage.
“This is quite a melee. It seems we’re struggling due to the sheer number of opponents.”
“That’s how it is. We need to hurry, too.”
Lydia and Ludia, Ancient Dragonewts, Eos, an Ancient Dragonian, Faris, an Ancient Fairy, and El, an Ancient Harpy, took to the skies using Flying and descended onto the battlefield first. To my surprise, H.R.H. Manalease was also able to use Flying by donning wings created by magic. As expected of Yamato’s consort, I accepted it. However, since I, Saya, Sley, and Caesar could not use it, we are hurrying to the battlefield by using Scaffolding and running at full speed.
“As planned, after regrouping with your respective Unions, I’d like you to push the front line forward. Can you do it?”
“That’s the plan. It’s the easiest way to fight.”
“Muse, you’ll be regrouping with Rex and then heading for the enemy’s main camp, right?”
“We need to rendezvous with His Majesty and the others before that, but that’s the plan.”
My husband, Rex, an Ancient Human, is the General of the Allied Forces. Therefore, while I could go and defeat Prince Airgaitz, who is likely in the enemy’s main camp, Emperor Reinhardt and Emperor Hildegard are also accompanying the expedition this time. It would be better for Emperor Reinhardt or Emperor Hildegard to defeat Prince Airgaitz. Depending on who defeats him, the post-war merits will change significantly, so we hesitate.
“I see members of my group. I’ll be heading down now.”
“Alright. I’m not worried, but just don’t let your guard down.”
“I know.”
As Sley and Caesar saw me off, I began my descent. The main force is composed of Rex and Marie at the forefront, along with the Order’s Guild First Squad, the Royal Order, the Saber’s Guild First Squad, and half of the Wing Crest. However, since Wing Crest has nine Ancient Class members, Lydia and Ludia, who returned earlier, are stationed on the sea side with Lily Wish, and Eos is in charge of guarding the Beast Carriage, considering her role as Butler. The main force is positioned at the center of the front line, but with Rex, H.R.H. Manalease, and Mina—three Ancient Class members—the Solemne forces collapse upon contact. Occasional cannonballs are shot down by archers, leaving Solemne with only numbers as an advantage.
“Welcome back. That was quick.”
“I hurried. Although there are more than planned, Steam Battleships are no match for us at this point.”
“I bet. I actually feel sorry for Solemne. By developing things like Steam Battleships, they’ve ended up making so many Ancient Class enemies.”
Marie says this with no trace of sympathy. Indeed, I never expected the number of Ancient Class members to increase this much, nor did I expect to evolve into an Ancient Ogre myself. The increase in Ancient Class members is partly due to Solemne’s development of Steam Battleships, so from my perspective, it’s their own fault.
“Then let’s go. We’ll break through the enemy lines and defeat Prince Airgaitz.”
“Understood. But who will defeat Prince Airgaitz?”
“It depends on the situation, but we intend to have Emperor Reinhardt do it.”
Who will defeat Prince Airgaitz, the First Prince of the Solemne Empire and the commander of the enemy forces, is a major issue for the Allied Forces. Amister is leading the charge, but we departed from Torencia, and the reason Amister dispatched Orders and Hunters was originally to rescue Torencia. Therefore, Emperor Hildegard would be the most fitting to defeat the Emperor, but Emperor Hildegard believes Emperor Reinhardt should be the one. However, after the war, although Solemne will be jointly governed by Amister and Torencia, Emperor Hildegard is scheduled to be in charge, making it appear externally that Torencia is the primary governing entity. At this point, I have no idea who should defeat the Emperor.
Well, I’ll leave that to my husband, who is also the General, and I’ll wield my sword.
**Side: Camellia**
I had been waiting for this day. On that day, the Solemne attacked Estrela, and the teachers who raised me in the orphanage, as well as the children who were like my younger siblings, were brutally murdered. While escorting the surviving children, I, along with the Grand Trader’s Master and the Hunter’s Guild raid, the Red Bracelet, attempted to leave Estrela, but unfortunately, we were discovered by the Solemne.
It was the people of Wing Crest who saved us. Although they were around my age, they possessed overwhelming power compared to me and effortlessly wiped out the pursuing Solemne Army unit. Afterwards, I was guided to Float, the royal capital of Amister, where I stayed in a slightly larger orphanage and began to consider my future. The Red Bracelet chose to steadily increase their strength in Float. I was invited too, but my top priority was to avenge the teachers who were like parents and the children who were like siblings. So, I repeatedly visited the Amister Headquarters of the Hunter’s Guild and even pleaded with the Head Hunter’s Master to participate in the Deseo Conquest. However, the Head Hunter’s Master informed me that the Deseo Invasion Alliance had already departed from Float, and I was told in no uncertain terms that my skills would not allow me to join them. This is because the Hunters participating in the Alliance are the top raids in Amister, ranking among the best. I, who had only recently registered as a Hunter, had an absolute deficit in experience and my strength was nowhere near theirs. Furthermore, the B-rank I currently hold is said to have the largest number of Hunters, so even within the same rank, there are often significant differences in strength. Therefore, there wasn’t even a sliver of an opening for me to join the Alliance.
Dejected, I returned to the orphanage, only to find that Wing Crest, who had saved me, had brought some unfamiliar people with them. I was surprised when they introduced themselves as Lily Wish, but since it’s widely known that Lily Wish comes from an orphanage, I felt a glimmer of hope. However, I was rejected. While the reason was understandable and naturally so, the greater my hope, the greater my despair.
But now, as a member of Wing Crest, I am participating in the Alliance and standing on the battlefield. My joining Wing Crest was nothing short of good fortune. I know that if I violate orders, I will be sent back to Float immediately, and in some cases, I may be executed, but having come this far, it doesn’t matter to me. I am facing this battle with the resolve to die along with as many Solemne soldiers as possible.
“‘Shielding’. Camellia, you’re rushing too far ahead. Please calm down a bit.”
However, Mina is perfectly protecting me. Mina, who defeated the M-I rank monster Grand Deathwurm during our march, has astonishingly evolved into an Ancient Human. Her partner and co-wife, Flam, has also evolved into an Ancient Undine, and she is providing precise covering fire. I haven’t sustained a single injury yet.
“You’re in the way! Haaah!!”
Did he get angry that all his attacks against me were blocked? The Solemne soldier charged towards Mina. But Mina, using her Unique Magic, Mace Quake, blew away more than ten Solemne soldiers with a single sweep, shattering every bone in their bodies.
“Camellia. Have you forgotten our promise that if you can’t follow orders, you’ll be sent back to Float?”
Mina, using Barrier Magic to block the Solemne soldiers’ attacks, turned her penetrating gaze towards me and asked.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
“Then why aren’t you listening to me and charging ahead alone?”
“Well…”
I couldn’t answer Mina’s question. I intended to throw my life away and take down as many Solemne soldiers as possible.
“I don’t understand your feelings. Therefore, I understand that my words may not reach you. However, a promise is a promise. It’s fine to seek revenge, but will the deceased be happy if someone who can’t even uphold such a simple promise achieves it?”
I wouldn’t know, and I could no longer ask them. However, the word “promise” suddenly struck a chord in my heart.
“Furthermore, that sword was given to you by Ed as proof. Proof that we, Wing Crest, would include you in the Alliance. That sword was originally forged to be given to you. Ed poured his heart into forging that sword for you, you know? Yet you’re only thinking of yourself and betraying us. Even if it’s not what you truly feel, looking at you now, it’s hard not to think that way.”
Hearing that, I was stunned. I have no intention of betraying Wing Crest, who saved my life and brought me here. However, from an outsider’s perspective, my current actions are inexcusable. At the same time, I glanced down at the sword in my hand. It is true that Edward-san handed me this sword as proof. However, since whether I joined or not depended on my answer, I thought it was a sword that was at least close to being special, even if not a masterpiece. But Mina says that Edward-san poured his heart into forging it and finishing it for me, with the premise of including me in Wing Crest. She handed me a sword made of Jade Silver, the same material used by the Order’s Guild, from storage, but even I could tell the difference, knowing Edward-san’s sword was a masterwork. Did I just think this proof of a sword was a mere symbol of my participation in the Alliance? I could distinctly feel my fighting spirit rapidly waning.
“The feelings of those who have passed are indeed strong, and it’s true that some people are bound by them. However, if you cling to them endlessly, you will end up tormenting them. Surely, as a Hunter, you know this much?”
Becoming an undead, a monster like a ghost or a wraith without a body. Whether it’s true or not, it is said that those who become undead are unable to go to the afterlife, and that they attack people to escape their suffering. However, what is transmitted as undeniable fact is that the reason humans become bodiless undead is due to the strong lingering regrets of those left behind. In other words, although I say I will avenge my teachers and the children, it is for my own sake, and conversely, I have been tormenting them. To make them suffer even after death, and even burden them with the fate of being hunted as monsters… What have I done… It was because I understood this that the Red Bracelet didn’t participate in the Alliance… Realizing this, I collapsed to my knees. The feelings in my heart cannot be changed immediately. However, if I continue to fight as I am, I will torment everyone. Therefore, what can I do… “…Mina-san, please take me to the rear.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. If I stay here, I will only continue to attack recklessly, and more importantly, I will torment everyone. So, I will withdraw to the rear.”
I want to avenge them with my own hands, but I don’t want to torment everyone by doing so. Therefore, with a heavy heart, I choose to withdraw to the rear.
“Understood. I will explain as well, so let’s withdraw for now.”
“Please do.”
While I cannot avenge them with my own hands, I can witness the destruction of Solemne. Perhaps then, these feelings of mine will change. With such thoughts in mind, I decided to withdraw to the rear using Mina’s Traveling.
